PETA fetes Popeye's saviors with vegan treats

WILTON MANORS — Paramedics who rescued a heat-stricken dog last week will get a framed certificate to hang on the stationhouse wall and vegan chocolates to pop in their mouths.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has bestowed upon Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue the group's Compassionate Fire Department Award to honor Fire Station 16 in Wilton Manors. Rescuers saved the life of a dog who collapsed after running alongside a bike on June 21.

Paramedics gave the dog fluids and oxygen and rushed him to the Imperial Point Animal Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, where caregivers named the large American bulldog mix Popeye for his fighting spirit.

"We hope that the rescuers' kindness will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need," PETA's executive vice president Tracy Reiman said in a statement.